System and method for managing and presenting network data

ABSTRACT

A method for managing network parameter data includes selecting an input source of a plurality of input source types. At least a portion of the selected input source comprising predetermined network parameter data in a first format is accessed. The portion of the selected input source containing the predetermined network parameter data in the first format is harvested and the predetermined network parameter data in the harvested portion of the selected input source is extracted. The extracted predetermined network parameter data in the first format is converted into a second format and stored within a data array. An output format of a predetermined plurality of output formats for the predetermined network parameter data is selected and the predetermined network parameter data is generated in the selected output format from the stored predetermined network data within the data array. The generated predetermined network data is then output in the selected output format.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to data management systems, and moreparticularly for a system and method for storing and presenting dataassociated with a network.

BACKGROUND

Communications and data networks comprise complex systems including alarge number of hardware components having a vast number of wireless andhardwired connections between the various hardware components. Any timea communications or data network is set up there is a large amount ofdata that must be managed with respect to the network. Documentationdescribing the configuration and connections of the various hardwarecomponents must be created to enable maintenance and control of thenetwork components. Also, while initially configuring the networkhardware components confirmation of appropriate configuration of thesecomponents must be established in order to ensure that the network isoperating correctly. There are also a number of labeling requirementsfor the various hardwired connections and server back planes that mustbe provided in order to enable technicians to work on and locateparticular connections within the network.

Existing protocols require system installers to manually generate all ofthe documentation and labeling requirements necessary for a networksystem. Additionally, when configuring the network an individual isrequired to manually locate configuration information from varioussources and compare the information in order to ensure that a systemhardware component has been configured appropriately. All of these tasksrequire a huge number of man-hours and are susceptible to human errordue to the vast amount of information that must be manually checked.Thus, some manner for more efficiently and quickly managing andpresenting vast amounts of data associated with wireless communicationnetwork would be greatly beneficial to both system installers andcustomers requiring accurate up-to-date documentation.

SUMMARY

The present invention, as disclosed and described herein, in one aspectthereof comprises a method for managing network parameter data includesselecting an input source of a plurality of input source types. At leasta portion of the selected input source comprising predetermined networkparameter data in a first format is accessed. The portion of theselected input source containing the predetermined network parameterdata in the first format is harvested and the predetermined networkparameter data in the harvested portion of the selected input source isextracted. The extracted predetermined network parameter data in thefirst format is converted into a second format and stored within a dataarray. An output format of a predetermined plurality of output formatsfor the predetermined network parameter data is selected and thepredetermined network parameter data is generated in the selected outputformat from the stored predetermined network data within the data array.The generated predetermined network data is then output in the selectedoutput format.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingDrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a GSM wireless communications network;

FIG. 2 illustrates a general block diagram of a data management andprocessing system;

FIG. 3 illustrates a first stage of a data management and processingsystem;

FIG. 4 illustrates a path calculation datasheet;

FIG. 5 illustrates a microwave path datasheet;

FIG. 6 illustrates a device configuration table;

FIG. 7 illustrates the various output formats of the data management andprocessing system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a Legacy Radio RSL Validation Form;

FIG. 9 illustrates a microwave transmission line validation sheet;

FIG. 10 illustrates a test results datasheet;

FIG. 11 illustrates a 9500 MPR (MSS-1) configuration sheet;

FIG. 12 illustrates an Ethernet port configuration template;

FIG. 13 illustrates a second Ethernet port configuration template;

FIG. 14 illustrates a radio port configuration;

FIG. 15 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system for providingmanagement and presentation of network data;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of the process for establishing ageneric database;

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow diagram of a file harvesting process;

FIG. 18 illustrates a first embodiment for extracting data from datafiles.

FIG. 19 illustrates a second embodiment for extracting data from datafiles.

FIG. 20 illustrates a flow diagram of the process for accessing thegeneric database to produce a variety of different output formats;

FIG. 21 illustrates a flow diagram for the generation of read/write datatables;

FIG. 22 illustrates a flow diagram of the process for creating labels;and

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow diagram of a file format conversion process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are usedherein to designate like elements throughout, the various views andembodiments of a system and method for managing and presenting networkdata are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments aredescribed. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in someinstances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in placesfor illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate the many possible applications and variations based on thefollowing examples of possible embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a GSM wireless communications network which wouldutilize the system and method described herein. The GSM wirelesscommunications network 102 comprises a number of system components thateach include configuration data, connection data, port data, etc. thatmay be utilized in various manners. A number of base stationtransceivers (BTS) 104 provide for a wireless communication interfacewith various mobile devices and user equipment communicating through theGSM network. The BTS 104 comprises radio transmitter receivers and theirassociated antennas to transmit and receive to provide communicationswith wireless mobile devices. The BTS 104 communicates with the mobiledevices using the Um interface with its associated protocols. Each BTS104 is an communication with and controlled by a base station controller(BSC) 106. The BSC 106 controls a group of BTSs 104 and is oftenco-located with one of the BTSs in the group. The BSC 106 manages radioresources and controls items such as handover within the group of BTSs104, allocates channels and the like. The BSC 106 communicates with theBTSs 104 over the Abis interface. The BTS 104 and BSC 106 togethercomprise the base station subsystem (BSS).

The base station controller 106 communicates with the mobile switchingcenter (MSC) 108 and the general packet radio service (GPRS) circuitry110. The MSC 108 acts like a normal switching node within a PSTN orISDN, but also provides additional functionality to enable therequirements of a mobile user to be supported. These functionalitiesinclude registration, authentication, call location, inter--MSChandovers and call routing to a mobile subscriber. The MSC 108 alsoprovides an interface to the PSTN (public switched telephone network)112 so that calls can be routed from the mobile network to a phoneconnected to a landline. The GPRS circuitry 110 enables mobile networksto transmit IP packets to external networks such as the Internet. Eachof the mobile switching center 108 and GPRS circuitry 110 are furtherconnected to the core network 114 that provides network service providerconnections to various other network resources.

The operation support system (OSS) 116 provides for network maintenanceand communicates with the base station transceivers 104, base stationcontroller 106 and mobile switching center 108. The OSS 116 is used tocontrol and monitor the overall GSM network and is also used to controltraffic load of the BSS. The OSS 116 enables network providers tocontrol the network and provide management functions such as networkinventory, service provisioning, network configuration and faultmanagement.

Each of the above described system components have a variety ofinformation associated there with that is stored in a variety ofdisparate locations that make the information difficult to utilize andmanage. The creation of documentation with respect to a GSM system orany network provides a number of challenges due to the level of detailand amount of information that must be processed. While the abovedescription has referenced a GSM system, the below described system maybe utilized with any network having a variety of data needed to beprocessed and managed and alternatively could be utilized with respectto any hardware intensive system that has associated there with a largeamount of information that must be efficiently processed and managedwith respect to documentation, labeling and other data managementrequirements.

FIG. 2 illustrates a general block of the data management and processingsystem 202. The system 202 receives information from multiple data inputsources 204. The multiple input data sources 204 such as PDF, text, XLSand others are processed as will be described herein and stored within ageneric array database 206. The stored generic data within the genericarray 206 may then be utilized in a variety of fashions to generatemultiple data output formats 208 such as PDF, text, XLS and othersdepending upon the needs of the user. In this manner, data can be moreefficiently processed by managing and configuring the multiple datainput sources 204 into a single unified generic array 206. Theinformation within the generic array 206 may be accessed in a controlledmanner to generate a desired data output format from the availablenumber of multiple data output formats 208 accessible via a number ofpredetermined databases or user established formats.

FIG. 3 more particularly illustrates the first stage of the datamanagement and processing system 202. As mentioned, the system 202 canaccess a variety of input data sources 302. The input data source 302may comprise any number of data source types enabling the system 202 toaccess and utilize a variety of different data types. The data sources302 may be in any number of formats. Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, thereare illustrated three different types of data sources that may beutilized for obtaining information for storage within a generic array206. FIG. 4 illustrates a path calculation datasheet that provides avariety of information about an antenna and its associated radiotransmission equipment. The path calculation datasheet represents avariety of information with respect to antenna and radio equipmentparameters any of which may be extracted for storage within the database206 as described hereinbelow. FIG. 5 illustrates a microwave pathdatasheet that provides a variety of information with respect to amicrowave transceiver. The information comprises administrativeinformation, site information, transmit antenna information, receiveantenna information, diversity receive antenna information and radiotransceiver information along with system transmission frequencies. Eachof these pieces of information may be extracted and stored within ageneric database 206 for generation of output files as will bedescribed. A device configuration table is illustrated with respect toFIG. 6. The table includes network configuration information 602, systemconfiguration information 604, synchronization information 606, SNMPinformation 608 and TDM and interface information 610. While FIGS. 4-6illustrate a number of different types of input data source files 302that may be accessed by the system, any data source includinginformation that may be utilized to extract necessary information forstorage within the generic database 206 may be utilized.

The data contained within the plurality of input data sources 302 areprocessed and groomed at 304 to extract the desired information fromeach of the data sources 302. The extracted information can comprisesome or all of the information contained within the input data sources302 that are located at known positions or locations within the datafiles enabling the information to be extracted from a plurality of filesand stored within a master generic data array 306. In this manner,necessary data may be extracted from disparate unrelated data sources302 and relevant information extracted at step 304 to store in agenerically usable master array at 306 such that the data can be used ina variety of fashions and output formats.

Information stored within the generic data array 206 may be provided inmultiple, user designated output formats 702 as illustrated in FIG. 7.The multiple output formats 702 may include a data table 704, documenttemplate 706, labels 708, selected file type 710, backup and restorefiles 712 or any other output format which may be useful to a user. Adata table 704 comprises a listing of related network configuration dataassociated with network equipment that may be visually inspected in thedata table format 704 to enable an individual to locate mistakes withinthe information represented by the data table 704. By placing theinformation in the data table format 704, a reviewer may more easilydetect errors caused by incorrect information. A document template 706may be utilized for the preparation of required system documentationassociated with a wireless network. Part of the deliverable requirementsassociated with setting up a network configuration for a network are theprovision of system documentation in a particular format that definesrelevant system information for the customer. This information mustoften be presented in a predefined document template that can beautomatically filled out using the present system. An example of adocument template is illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 illustrates a LegacyRadio RSL Validation Form. The Legacy Radio RSL Validation Form provideswith respect to a particular transceiver site pre-check information 802relating to system information prior to retermination and parallelinformation 804 determined after retermination. Each of the data fieldsmay be populated from the generic array 206 in order to accuratelycreate system documentation. Another template is illustrated in FIG. 9,wherein there is illustrated a microwave transmission line validationsheet. The template provides documentation for information with respectto the microwave transmission sites at a particular location.

Further examples of templates are illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. FIG. 10illustrates a test results datasheet. The test results datasheet is usedin the equipment machining and acceptance phases. FIG. 11 illustratesthe 9500 MPR (MSS-1) configuration sheet. The template illustrates allconfiguration information with respect to network configuration 1102,system configuration 1104, synchronization information, SNMP informationand TMN interface information. FIG. 12 illustrates an Ethernet portconfiguration template for the 9500 MPR (MSS-8) configuration. Thetemplate provides a variety of configuration information with respect tothe ethernet ports. FIG. 13 illustrates an Ethernet port configurationtemplate for the 9500 MPR (MSS-8) configuration. The template provides avariety of configuration information with respect to the VLANconfiguration 1302 and segregated ports (cross configuration) 1304. FIG.14 illustrates the radio port configuration for the 9500 MPR (MSS-8)configuration.

System labels 708 may be generated as another output format 7024 forlabeling system wiring/cabling and equipment connections anddesignations. The establishment of any network requires a number ofconnections and system components that must be labeled in order toenable technicians to later perform maintenance on the system. Theautomatic creation of the labels that may be placed upon the systemhardware provides a great benefit to both the system installers andcustomers of the system for speeding the delivery process. Selected filetype 710 may comprise any file type that may be selectively configuredby the user to provide desired system information. In this manner,unique output file configurations may be established by the useraccording to a defined configuration in order to provide necessarysystem information. Another output file format comprises backup andrestore files 712. Backup and restore files 712 may be used for backingup system hardware component software and for restoring software onthese components after system failures.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is illustrated a functional blockdiagram of the system for providing management and presentation ofnetwork data 1502. The system 1502 includes an input interface 1504 foraccessing the various types of source data files described hereinabove.The remote file access and download controller 1506 enables the system1502 to access the various types of files including the data upon whichthe system may manage and present. The controller 1506 in addition toaccessing various types of remote data files may also access datadirectly from a live system and skip the process of accessing anddownloading hardcopy files. The data extraction routine controller 1508is responsible for accessing data contained within the downloaded fileformats in order to extract particular data portions that may bedownloaded into a generic database 1510. The extracted data entries fromthe access files are output via a database output interface 1512 forstorage within an accessible location within the generic database 1510.The generic database 1510 includes a number of scalable data tables1514, the data tables including locations for storing the extracted dataprovided via database output interface 1512.

Once data has been stored within the scalable tables 1514 of the genericdatabase 1510, information within the database may be utilized in thenumber of fashions and output formats. Selection of the manner of dataoutput from the generic database 1510 is made using a data outputselection controller 1516. The data output selection controller 1516selects the manner for output of the data using an existing preformattedtemplate, a converted file format, a data viewing format, a userspecified data format or any other number of selectable output formats.The data output selection controller 1516 may work in conjunction withthe templates controller 1518 for providing access to previously createdtemplates into which data from the scalable data tables 1514 of thegeneric database 1510 may be inserted based upon data access queriesgenerated responsive to a selected template. The data formattingcontroller 1520 enables selection of a particular data format foroutputting of the data accessed from the scalable data tables 1514 ofthe generic database 1510. The data formatting controller 1520 placesselected data in a table readable format useful for confirming theaccuracy of data contained within the generated table readable format.The data write controller 1522 may be used for writing data to a labelfillable format such that the information may be printed upon a labeltemplate such that the labels may then be placed upon the systemhardware equipment and cables. The file format controller 1524 enablesfiles that have been out loaded by the remote file access and downloadcontroller 1506 to be converted from the downloaded file format intoanother file format that may be utilized for differing purposes. Outputformats that are accessed from the generic database 1510 are output fromthe system 1502 via the format output interface 1526. The outputinterface 1526 may provide the access data in any configurationnecessary depending upon the needs that the destination source of theinformation requires.

The generic database 1510 and the associated scalable data tables 1514store information based upon a hardware site location name with eachhardware site name having a plurality of pieces of informationassociated there with. Examples of the information that may beassociated with the site name include, but is not limited to: sitenumber, site location, latitude, longitude, bridge MAC address, SNMPversion, IP stack version, transceiver and prot type, restoration EPS,restoration RPS, restoration TPS, TMN RF management, OSPF area number,channel spacing (MHz), modulation (QAM), capacity (Mbps), shifter (MHz),TX frequency (MHz), RX frequency (MHz), TPC enabled, minimum TX power(dBm), Max TX power (dBm), RX threshold (dBm), radio SSM enabled, PKTbooster enabled, encryption enabled, queue sizes/channel #, key/LAGname, MPT in RING, radio label, XPIC polarization, combiner status, TDAstatus, radio position in rack, channel polarity, Far end site number:name, frequency band, slots/port X.X, PCN-main RSL: RX thresh, opticalSFP enabled, auto negotiation, bit rate (Mbps), duplex capability, flowcontrol, sync mode, acceptable frame type, optical SSM, ethernet labelenabled, transceiver and prot type, restoration EPS, restoration RPS,restoration TPS, TMN RF management, OSPF area number, channel spacing(MHz), modulation (QAM), capacity (mbps), shifter (MHz), transmitfrequency (MHz), RX frequency (MHz), ATPC enabled, min TX power (dBm),radio SSM enabled, PKT booster enabled, encryption enabled, queuesizes/channel #, key/LAG name, MPT in RING, radio label, XPICpolarization, combiner, TDA status, radio position in rack, channelpolarity, Farend Site Number, frequency band, slots/port X.X, PCN-mainRSL: RX thresh, optical SFP enabled, negotiation, bit rate (Mbps),duplex capability, flow control, sync mode, acceptable frame type,optical SSM enabled, ethernet label, card type slot 1, card type slot 2,card type slot 3, card type slot 4, card type slot 5, card type slot 6,card types 7, card type slot 8, OSPF area address, NTP config. enabled,NTP main server IP, NTP spare server IP, DHCP enabled, local IPaddress/TMN Port 4/224, TMN ethernet enabled, TMN IP address, TMNnetwork mask, TMN OSPF area, VLAN bridge type, segregation of ports,sync role, sync source, primary source, secondary source, SSM wait torestore, QOS, active bank: 1-2 compare, space diversity, PATH CALC-pathlength. This list is not intended to be exhaustive and other types ofinformation could be stored within the generic database to enable accessand use by the system.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is illustrated a flow diagram of theprocess for establishing the generic database 1510 including thescalable data tables 1514 described with respect to FIG. 15. The inputdata files containing relevant data to be processed by the system 1502are accessed at step 1602 through the input interface 1504 using theremote file access and download controller 1506. The accessed data filesare processed using file harvesting techniques at step 1604 that isunder the control of the remote file access and download controller1506. FIG. 17 provides a flow diagram illustrating one manner of fileharvesting. The file location associated with a particular file isreceived at step 1702. An indication of the file type to be downloadedis received at step 1704. Based upon the received file location and thetype of file to be searched for, the database containing the files issearched at step 1706 for the indicated file type. Inquiry step 1708determines if a file of this type can be located within the database andthe file is stored at step 1710 for later processing. If no file isinitially located, the search process continues at step 1706. Inquirystep 1712 determines if there are additional files available forsearching within the database and if so, control passes back to step1706 to search for the indicated file type. Once all files of this typehave been located within the database, the process is completed at step1714 and no further files are available for harvesting.

Returning now back to FIG. 16, once files have begun to be harvested atstep 1604, inquiry step 1606 determines if there are additional filesavailable for harvesting in accordance with the routine discussed withrespect to FIG. 17. If so, the file harvesting process continues at step1604. Once all of the files have been harvested, the files are groupedtogether by the data types they contain at step 1608. The data files maythen be accessed at step 1610 and any relevant data extracted therefromat step 1612 using the data extraction routines controller 1508. Theextracted data may be located in any number of fashions such as knownlocations or data fields within the accessed data files. First andsecond embodiments for extracting the data are more fully describedherein below with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19. The extracted data isgroomed at step 1614 to place it in a format consistent with storage inthe master data array 1514. The most common process that is carried outwhen grooming is done upon the data is to remove all unwanted charactersor correct for proper case (for example, all caps, etc.). In someinstances intuitive information may be encoded into a particular string.For example, a user identified name/label may be programmed into a pieceof equipment by a technician, such as: 1V3-2204 Preston—where the firstdigit indicates rack number one, the second digit indicates a verticalpolarity with the, the third digit indicates equipment position in rackone and the remainder is the far end sight number and name. Thisinformation can be used to print and produce equipment labels. Thegroomed data is stored within the master data array at step 1616.Inquiry step 1618 determines if a next file is available and if sopasses to step 1610 to access that file and begin the data extraction,grooming and storage process. Once all of the data files have beenaccessed, the array including the data is complete at step 1620.

FIG. 18 illustrates a first embodiment for extracting data from datafiles. This first embodiment, referred to as a Main Execution Loop runseach file individually through an execution loop that picks off data ina sequential/linear fashion as the process increments through each lineconsecutively. A first file within the group of accessed data files isaccessed at step 1802. Within the first file, a first file line isaccessed at step 1804. Inquiry step 1806 determines if relevant data isdetected within the accessed line. If relevant data is detected, apointer is set to point to the last processed line at step 1808 and themain execution loop is temporarily exited at step 1810 to process thedetected data.

The detected data is processed and stored at step 1812 within thegeneric database. The pointer that was previously set at step 1808 isaccessed at step 1814 to determine the last processed line within thedata file. Control passes back to inquiry step 1806 to determine ifadditional relevant data is contained within the accessed file line. Iffurther data is not detected at inquiry step 1806 or no data wasdetected during the first pass through, control passes to inquiry step1816 to determine if additional lines exist within the accessed file. Ifadditional lines are determined to exist, the next file line is accessedat step 1818 and control passes back to inquiry step 1806 for thedetection of any relevant data within newly accessed file line.

If inquiry step 1816 determines no further lines are available for thecurrently accessed file, control passes to inquiry step 1820 todetermine if additional files exist to be processed within the group ofaccessed files. If additional files are determined to exist, controlpasses to step 1822 to access the next available file. Control will passto step 1804 to access the first file line of the newly accessed fileand begin data detection therein. If no further files are detected atinquiry step 1820, the process is determined to be completed at step1824.

FIG. 19 illustrates a second embodiment for extracting data from datafiles. The second embodiment, referred to as the Seek Method provides aprocess that iterates through each of the file group headers as apreliminary measure to load an array of pointers. Each file has its ownlist of pointers held in an array that identifies a line item locationfor each group header of each file specifically. This provides theflexibility to know the start line and stop line for each group header,where the stop line is the next group line header −1. The group headerline numbers are not fixed locations from one file to the next, the filecounts move around from one file to the next based on the configurationdifferences from one piece of equipment to the next. Establishing thegroup header line numbers enables the process to pass in the start andstop line numbers into hardcoded functions that will yield the correctresult every time without too much concern provided the correct linenumbers are provided to the function. The process allows for cleanercode development and direct access to any data in any file basicallyon-the-fly.

As shown in FIG. 19, the process is initiated at step 1902. Initially,the files to be accessed are programmatically retrieved or previouslystored file folders may be selected to determine a total file count (n)at step 1904. The total file count is stored within a loop counter atstep 1906. Next, a dimension array pointer is set equal to the totalfile count at step 1908 and an adjustable row count is set equal to themaximum number of section headers at step 1910. A loop is set up at step1912 to go from 1 to the total file count (n) and to instantiate andprime supporting variables. To instantiate a variable or an object,creates the initial first instance of the key variables or objects(structures) in memory. Then to prime a variable or an object involvesassigning initial values to variables or to preset attributes of objectsin memory. It could also be referred to by phrases such asInitialization or Initialization Process. When initially launching anapplication or running code it is always necessary to InstantiateVariables and Objects. However, to Prime Variables isn't usually ascritical on the first pass due to the fact that initial variable valuesare typically 0, Empty or Null. But, if a second or third batch of filesare to be processed, it is an important step to be certain residualvalues have all been cleared out and everything is setup and ready toprocess a new batch of files.

Next, at step 1914, the process iterates through each line in acurrently accessed file to locate only section header line numbers, toset pointer (iPtr) equal to the current section header line number, andto store line number (iPtr) for each section header within the pointerarray. This process continues for each line in the file until the end ofthe file. Inquiry step 1916 determines if the currently accessed fileequals the last file within the group of files and if not, increments atstep 1918 to access the next file within the group of files. If inquirystep 1916 determines the last file has been accessed, the process isended at step 1920. As mentioned, establishing the group header linenumbers enables the process to pass in the start and stop line numbersinto hardcoded functions that will yield the correct result every timewithout too much concern provided the correct line numbers are providedto the function.

The Seek Method provides more flexibility and freedom to access any orall sections of the files being processed on an as needed basis. Forexample if only particular details within a file were of interest thatfall under a specific section header, the process can simply make a callto the function that is used to extract the details that fall under aspecific section header rather than searching through all of the sectionheaders within a file.

When accessing this process the line pointer (iPtr) for a specificsection header is passed in along with the next section header linenumber (−1). This provides the line numbers start and stop boundariesthat are needed to process only the lines under any given section headerfor each file. Thus,iPtr=PointerArray(SectionHeader,FileNumber)iStart=iPtriPtr=PointerArray(SectionHeader+1,FileNumber)iStop=iPtr−1

The section header line numbers are moving around a lot from one file tothe next, so the initial process of nailing down the section header linenumbers and storing them within the pointer array makes it much simplerto repeatedly access data as needed. It is then just a matter ofincrementing or looping to the individual file numbers for any givenheader to extract particular information. The Seek Method also lendsitself well to more of an object oriented approach to code developmentas opposed to a large execution loop that has to iterate through everydetail in every file to produce the final output.

Once all of the data has been stored within the scalable data tables1514 of the generic database 1510, the data may be accessed and utilizedfor a variety of different task in a variety of different output formatsas described previously. Referring now to FIG. 20, the process isinitiated at step 2002 and inquiry step 2004 determines if a custom filetemplate has been selected for population by the generic database 1510.If a custom file template has been selected, the custom template isdownloaded or received at step 2006 using the template controller 1518so that it can be populated with data from the generic database 1510.The generic master database 1510 is accessed by the template controller1518 to populate the custom template at step 2010 to begin the templatepopulation process. If a custom file template is not selected at inquirystep 2004, a pre-created output file template may be selected at step2008 using the data output selection controller 1516. The master dataarray 1510 is accessed at step 2010 to begin population of thepre-created template. Access to the master array at step 2010 is used topopulate a first data field of the selected template at step 2012. Oncethe first data field has been selected, inquiry step 2014 determines ifa next data field for population is present. If so, control passes backto step 2012 to populate the next data field from information storedwithin the generic database 1510. Once each of the data fields withinthe selected template have been populated and no further data fields areavailable, the populated template is output at step 2016. These types ofpreformed output templates may be used for the creation of deliverydocumentation that is associated with wireless communication networkhardware configuration installations. Large-scale network hardwareinstallations have large documentation requirements as part of the finaldelivery process. The creation of these documents may be achieved usingpreformed templates that have the ability to access the generic databaseto provide a more accurate documentation creation.

Another output format available from the scalable data tables 1514 ofthe generic database 1510 are read/write data tables that may be usedfor visual inspection of the data contained therein using the dataformatting controller 1520. The tables may display the data obtainedfrom multiple sources in close proximity for comparison purposes. Theprocess for the generation of these read/write data tables is more fullyillustrated in FIG. 21. If data within adjacent or closely relatedcolumns do not match, problems may be quickly noted within a wirelesssystem configuration. The process is initiated at step 2102 and theparticular data inspection format is selected at step 2104 by the dataformatting controller 1520. The master data array within the genericdatabase 1510 is accessed at step 2106 to populate the selected datainspection format. The accessed data is groomed at step 2108 into aformat necessary for populating the selected data inspection format. Thedata that is output from the master data array has already been groomedprior to insertion of the data into the master data array. Thus, anyfurther grooming would typically involve some decision based logic thatwould determine if the value being output is actually incorrect or insome way does not meet a predetermined requirement. Typically, if somelogic is hardcoded or select did via an external user input, the methodof displaying the failure would involve either changing the text coloror background color to make the item stand out. The obtained data isused to populate the data table in the selected data inspection formatat step 2110. The table is output through the format output interface1526 to enable review of the data table for confirmation of networkconfigurations.

Another data output format of the information within the genericdatabase 1510 comprises labels for placement on cabling and hardwareequipment within a wireless network. A delivery requirement of manyhardware installations relating to wireless communications or othertypes of networks involves the placement of labels on the cables andhardware associated with the network. The labeling enables techniciansin the future to properly maintain the network equipment so that theyknow what they are looking at with respect to a particular device orcable. The creation of the labels requires a great deal of time andeffort in order to accurately create the labels for placement upon thenetwork equipment. FIG. 22 illustrates the use of the previously createdscalable data tables 1514 within the generic database 1510 for thecreation of these labels through the data write controller 1522. Theprocess begins at step 2202 and a particular label format 2204 isselected using the data write controller 1522 that selects apredetermined labeling format. Responsive to the selected label format,the master data array within the generic database 1510 is accessed atstep 2206 to extract the required data for filling in the labels. Theextracted data is groomed as needed to provide the label format at step2208, and the groomed data populates a label data table at step 2210that has been selected or created. The generated label data table fromstep 2210 may then be used for generating and outputting the labels atstep 2212 that can be used for placement on system cabling and hardwarecomponents.

A further file type output possibility from the generic database 1510 isa file format conversion from the format in which a file was originallyreceived by the database 1510 as shown in FIG. 23. The file conversionutilizes the file format controller 1524 to control the output format ofthe file that is being provided through the output interface 1526. Theprocess is initiated at step 2302 and the file format controller 1524 isused to select a file output type at step 2304. The master data arraywithin the generic database 1510 is accessed at step 2306 to accessexisting files at step 2308 that have previously been stored within thedatabase. The files may comprise downloaded files before the dataextraction process. The existing files may comprise data as previouslydownloaded using the remote file access and download controller 1506 orthe post processing format of these files. The accessed data files areconverted to a new file type at step 2210 that has been selected at step2304. The converted data files may then be output at step 2312 throughthe output interface 1526.

Using the above described system and method data from a variety ofdisparate data sources may be accessed and processed to enable therelevant data contained within those files to be stored within a genericdatabase. Utilizing the information stored within the generic database avariety of output file configuration may be selected for utilizing thedata to present, check, manage, etc. the data that is stored within thegeneric database. This allows a variety of disparate types ofinformation to be stored in a generic format that enables theinformation to be used in a variety of different ways and thus speedwhat normally comprises slow user intensive processes.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure that this system and method for managing and presentingcommunications and data provides an improved manner for managing andpresenting data with respect to network components. It should beunderstood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and arenot intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examplesdisclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications,changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices,and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the followingclaims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted toembrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements,substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for managing network system hardwareconfiguration data and system hardware connection data for a wirelesscommunications network, comprising: selecting an input source within thewireless communications network of a plurality of input source typesthat are source types within the wireless communications network;accessing the selected input source within the wireless communicationsnetwork, the selected input source within the wireless communicationsnetwork providing access to data associated with the selected inputsource, at least a portion of the data comprising predetermined systemhardware configuration data and system hardware connection data in afirst format; harvesting the portion of the data within the selectedinput source within the wireless communications network containing thepredetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data in the first format; extracting the predetermined systemhardware configuration data and system hardware connection data in theharvested portion of the data; converting the extracted predeterminedsystem hardware configuration data and system hardware connection datain the first format into a generic data format; storing thepredetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data in the generic data format within a data array;selecting an output format of a predetermined plurality of outputformats for the predetermined system hardware configuration data andsystem hardware connection data, wherein the selected output formatcomprises a selected file type different from a file type from which thepredetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data were extracted, further wherein the selected outputformat comprises one format of a plurality of formats, the plurality offormats consisting of a data table format, a document template format, alabel format, a predetermined file type format and a backup and restorefile format; generating the predetermined system hardware configurationdata and system hardware connection data in the selected output formatfrom the stored predetermined system hardware configuration data andsystem hardware connection data within the data array in the genericdata format; and outputting the generated predetermined system hardwareconfiguration data and system hardware connection data in the selectedoutput format.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the input sourceprovides a first file type of a plurality of file types.
 3. The methodof claim 2, wherein the first file type comprises at least one of a PDFfile, a TXT file and an XLS file.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein theinput source comprises a live data source.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the input source comprises at least one of a PDF file, a textfile, an XLS file, a path calculation data sheet, a microwave path datasheet and a device configuration table.
 6. A system for managing systemhardware configuration data and system hardware connection data,comprising: a database for storing predetermined system hardwareconfiguration data and system hardware connection data in a genericformat within a data array; a processor coupled to the database; and amemory coupled to the processor, the memory storing a plurality ofinstructions for execution by the processor, the plurality ofinstructions including: instructions for selecting an input sourcewithin a wireless communications network of a plurality of input sourcetypes that are source types within the wireless communications network;instructions for accessing the selected input source within the wirelesscommunications network, the selected input source within the wirelesscommunications network providing access to data associated with theselected input source, at least a portion of the data comprisingpredetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data in a first format; instructions for harvesting theportion of the data within the selected input source within the wirelesscommunications network containing the predetermined system hardwareconfiguration data and system hardware connection data in the firstformat; instructions for extracting the predetermined system hardwareconfiguration data and system hardware connection data in the harvestedportion of the data; instructions for converting the extractedpredetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data in the first format into a generic data format;instructions for storing the predetermined system hardware configurationdata and system hardware connection data in the generic data formatwithin a data array; instructions for selecting an output format of apredetermined plurality of output formats for the predetermined systemhardware configuration data and system hardware connection data, whereinthe selected output format comprises a selected file type different froma file type from which the predetermined system hardware configurationdata and system hardware connection data were extracted, further whereinthe selected output format comprise one format of a plurality offormats, the plurality of formats consisting of a data table format, adocument template format, a label format, a predetermined file typeformat and a backup and restore file format; instructions for generatingthe predetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data in the selected output format from the storedpredetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data within the data array in the generic data format; andinstructions for outputting the generated predetermined system hardwareconfiguration data and system hardware connection data in the selectedoutput format.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the input sourceprovides a first file type of a plurality of file types.
 8. The systemof claim 7, wherein the first file type comprises at least one of a PDFfile, a TXT file and an XLS file.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein theinput source comprises a live data source.
 10. The system of claim 6,wherein the input source comprises at least one of a PDF file, a textfile, an XLS file, a path calculation data sheet, a microwave path datasheet and a device configuration table.
 11. A system, comprising: adatabase for storing predetermined system hardware configuration dataand system hardware connection data in a generic format within a dataarray; a system for managing network parameter data, comprising: aninterface for connecting with an input source; an input source selectioncontroller for selecting an input source within the wirelesscommunications network of a plurality of input source types that aresource types within the wireless communications network, wherein theinput source comprises at least one of a PDF file, a text file, an XLSfile, a path calculation data sheet, a microwave path data sheet and adevice configuration table; a file access controller for accessing theselected input source within the wireless communications network, theselected input source within the wireless communications networkproviding access to data associated with the selected input source, atleast a portion of the data comprising predetermined system hardwareconfiguration data and system hardware connection data in a firstformat; a data extraction controller for extracting the predeterminedsystem hardware configuration data and system hardware connection datain the data of the selected input source, for converting the extractedpredetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data in the first format into the generic format, and forstoring the predetermined system hardware configuration data and systemhardware connection data in the generic format within a data array inthe database; an output selection controller for selecting an outputformat of a predetermined plurality of output formats for thepredetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data, wherein the selected output format comprises a selectedfile type different from a file type from which the predetermined systemhardware configuration data and system hardware connection data wereextracted, further wherein the selected output format comprise oneformat of a plurality of formats, the plurality of formats consisting ofa data table format, a document template format, a label format, apredetermined file type format and a backup and restore file format; anoutput file generation controller for generating the predeterminedsystem hardware configuration data and system hardware connection datain the selected output format from the stored predetermined systemhardware configuration data and system hardware connection data withinthe data array; and an output interface for outputting the generatedpredetermined system hardware configuration data and system hardwareconnection data in the selected output format.